New grass seed can help fill in bald patches and make your lawn look more lush and full. But how long will it take for your seeds to sprout and flourish? Read on to learn the average timelines for different types of grass seed, and find out what might keep your new grass from taking root.
Average Growth Times for Different Grasses
It takes grass seed anywhere from 5 to 30 days to germinate, depending on the grass species, the seed mix, the weather conditions, and other factors. The best way to ensure that your grass seed germinates quickly and evenly is to prepare the soil properly, sow the seed at the recommended rate, and keep the soil moist until the seedlings have emerged.
Here is a general guide to the germination times of some common grasses:
- Ryegrass: 5-10 days
- Fescue: 10-20 days
- Kentucky bluegrass: 14-21 days
- Bermudagrass: 14-28 days
Of course, your results may vary depending on the conditions mentioned above. Be sure to keep an eye on the progress of your seedlings and be patient.
What Keeps Grass from Growing?
Countless homeowners have tried to grow grass in their yards only to end up with patchy, weak results. If you’re wondering why your grass isn’t growing as thick and luscious as you’d like, there are a few possible explanations. Here are four reasons why your grass isn’t growing, and what you can do about it.
1. You’re mowing your grass too short
When mowing your lawn, the general rule is to never cut more than one-third of the grass blade. Cutting any more than that can shock the grass and lead to weak, spindly growth. If you want your grass to be strong and healthy, aim to mow it to a height of 2 to 3 inches.
2. You’re not fertilizing regularly
Fertilizer is essential for helping grass grow thick and green. If you’re not fertilizing your lawn regularly, that could be why your grass isn’t growing as lush as you want it to. Look for a fertilizer that contains a mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and apply it according to the directions on the package.
3. You’re watering your lawn too much (or not enough)
Believe it or not, you can actually harm your grass by watering it too much. When grass gets too much water, the roots can start to suffocate, which can lead to disease and weak growth. On the other hand, if you’re not watering your grass enough, it will obviously struggle to grow. The best way to know how much water your grass needs is to check the soil with your finger. If the upper two inches of soil seem dry, it’s time to water.
4. You have compacted soil
If your yard is compacted, the spaces between the soil particles are very small. This can make it difficult for water, air, and nutrients to reach the roots of your grass, which can lead to unhealthy growth. You can determine if your lawn is compacted by using a screwdriver or garden trowel. If it’s difficult to push the tool into the ground, that’s a sign your soil is compacted.
To fix compacted soil, you’ll need to aerate it. This process involves creating small holes in the soil so air, water and nutrients can reach the roots of your grass. You can either aerate your lawn yourself with a hand-held aerator or hire a professional to do it for you.
If your grass isn’t growing as thick and green as you want it to, don’t despair. By troubleshooting the four issues listed above, you can figure out what’s preventing your grass from growing and take steps to fix it. With a little effort, you will have the lush, healthy lawn you’ve always wanted.
Working with an Expert
While you can try re-sodding your lawn yourself, it’s easier and safer to work with a professional Colorado landscaper who can do the job right and come up with compelling ways to improve the surrounding aesthetic. At RMPS Landscaping in Castle Rock, we provide a complete spectrum of expert landscaping services, from water features and hardscaping / stonework, trees, outdoor lighting, terracing, sod and total landscape renovations. If you’re ready for a full, lush lawn that only a professional landscaper can provide, contact us today.
